Atlantic City Library Tennessee Avenue Improvement Project to begin early in 2022

The library’s William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library) – which opened in 1985 at 1 North Tennessee Ave. – will receive extensive exterior repairs and upgrades in 2022 as part of the Atlantic City Free Public Library Tennessee Avenue Improvement Project.

The library has received grant funding from the first round of the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act (ASSEMBLY, No. 222; STATE OF NEW JERSEY; 217th LEGISLATURE), which will fund 50 percent of the project cost. The library is required to provide matching funds, bringing the total project cost to $448,500.

The library Board of Trustees has entered into contract with R Maxwell Construction Company of Pleasantville to perform the repairs and upgrades after going out to bid in October 2021. An initial planning meeting involving the Iovino + Acari Architects, R Maxwell Construction and library staff will be held in early January 2022. The construction phase is scheduled to begin in June 2022.

The Atlantic City Free Public Library Tennessee Avenue Improvement Project includes: cleaning the exterior limestone façade, demolition and replacement of the concrete stairs and sidewalk, improved lighting, signage and railings, remodeling of the public bathrooms and new exterior doors. This project is part of the Library’s Strategic Plan to update the Main Library facility to ensure the continued provision of critically needed training, educational and informational services to the Atlantic City community.

This project is supported by funds from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.

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UPDATE: Nov. 7, 2022
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 9, those who wish to enter the William K. Cheatham Building (Main Library) will need to enter through the doors on the Tennessee Avenue side of the building. The fencing that was put up in June 2022 to allow for construction work on the outside of the building is scheduled to be removed Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The upgraded exterior work that has been performed includes making improvements to the steps, ramps, railings and lighting, a new library book drop and the cleaning of the facade.

Additional work remains, including the remodeling of the first-floor bathrooms, and installation of exterior doors and new bicycle racks.